IGP asks court to stop senate from probing him

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), has asked a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court to stop Bukola Saraki, president of the senate, and the upper legislative chamber from probing him.

Saraki and the senate are defendants in the suit.

Last week, the senate resolved to probe the allegations raised by Isah Misau, senator representing Bauchi central, against Idris after he drew the attention of the senators to it.

Misau was declared a deserter by the police shortly after he alleged that the IGP collects money from police officers before they are posted.

Idris has since denied Misau’s allegations.

In the suit filed on Thursday, the IGP is seeking an order restraining the committee to sit or invite him until the determination of the suit.

In the suit, Idris also said Misau “rained a personal attack” on him by saying he was romantically involved with policewomen.

“The applicant is a law-abiding citizen and has fundamental right to dignity of person under Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) (as amended), and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act,” the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/3158/17 read.

“The applicant occupies a hallowed office as the inspector-general of police in Nigeria and is thus in charge of all police officers in Nigeria.

“One senator Isa Misau, a member of the 2nd respondent (senate), while raising a matter of urgent national importance, had sometime between September and October 2017, alleged that the applicant instituted roadblocks across Nigeria with the purpose of extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.

“The said senator, while commenting on his motion, equally alleged that the applicant collects illegal fees by way of security protection given to corporate organisations, eminent citizens and oil companies running into billions of naira.

“The said senator equally rained a personal attack on the person of the applicant that the applicant is having unwholesome relationship with the female officers in the force.

“Without the first respondent (Saraki), having regard to the relevant constitutional requirements in respect of the second respondent’s role in investigations of allegations, he, in reaction to these frivolous allegations, quickly constituted a committee consisting members of the second respondent to look into the matter.”